RESEARCH EDUCATION

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RESEARCH EDUCATION

NIER is focused on delivering research education and training to meet workforce needs of future industries.

DOCTORAL TRAINING CENTRES

Doctoral Training Centres (DTCs) support industry embedded PhD programs and provide additional training and engagement to produce impactful research outcomes, job-ready graduates and strong links between industry and universities. The cohort of PhD candidates work on research projects developed in collaboration with industry partners and are supported by a multidisciplinary, solutions-focussed academic team to enhance knowledge, outcomes, and skillsets. Our established DTCs in Advanced METS and Food & Agribusiness continue to grow with a number of new projects commencing this year, including a METS project on hydrogen integration for blast furnace ironmaking, and a Food and Agribusiness project exploring an integrated approach for sustainable winery wastewater treatment for enhancing circular economy. We were delighted to showcase the DTCs at the Orana Opportunity Network (O2N) Energy, Mining and Innovation Forum in February, with the opportunity for some candidates to present their research in front of an industry audience spanning the state. During the year, candidates received tailored training on industry engagement and communications, as well as experiencing an informative technical site tour with a DTC industry partner in Muswellbrook. Through initial planning activities including cross college academic consultation and an industry event, NIER has been working towards the establishment of an additional DTC in Energy to address another of our priority areas of energy, resources, food and water. The soon to be launched Energy DTC will focus on research areas including energy generation and storage, alternative energy including renewables, emissions reduction technologies, and grid systems and stability.

Modelling and Optimisation for the Generation of Advanced Materials

The Multiple Hearth Furnace (MHF) is a processing unit that is utilised in industrial processes including thermal treatment of ores, water waste treatment, and the regeneration of activated carbon. Samantha Clark, candidate within the Advanced METS DTC, is working on a project that aims to make an impact in the METS sector by optimising the MHF through the creation of a model that will enable the variations of inputs and adoption into other applications. The optimised model of the MHF will reduce operational costs and improve the quality of the desired products, and allow for it to be utilised across multiple sectors. For her project, Samantha is collaborating with Jord International, a company that designs and produces process equipment solutions for a multitude of sectors in the energy and resources industries. Working closely with her industry contacts has allowed Samantha to have access to processing plants where a MHF is currently used, enabling her to alter and implement novel equipment to sample solids and gases within the hearth.

“The DTC has given me so many opportunities including gaining experience from working alongside industry, developing skills from their programs, and making connections from various networking forums where I have had the opportunity to present my work." - Samantha Clark, DTC PhD Candidate

DTCs inspire the next generation of industry leaders with new ideas, new ways of working and smarter solutions to industry challenges.

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PACIFIC NODE SCHOLARS

The Pacific Node oversees the Pacific Higher Degree Research (HDR) program with additional support for the candidates provided through NIER’s DTCs. In 2021-22 eight Pacific HDR students were undertaking research in climate change resilience, waste management and pollution control, invasive species management and inclusive education. The HDR program is designed to provide supported development and advancement of knowledge and expertise which will aid global and regional impact for Pacific communities.

Pacific Students Strengthen Invasive Species Management for Climate Resilience

Invasive species can threaten biodiversity, food security, human health and ecosystem services, directly affecting species loss and ecosystem function causing a loss of resilience in responding to climate change. HDR candidates and academics from the University are supporting Pacific Island nations in their efforts to tackle the problem of invasive species. With funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a research partnership between the University of Newcastle and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)’s PRISMSS mechanism has been established to support Pacific students working towards solutions. Projects include: measurement of responses of different environmental indicators such as birds, reptiles, invertebrates and coral reef health following rodent eradication; using remote sensing technology to improve our understanding of the role of cyclones in spreading invasive weeds in the Pacific to establish cost-effective monitoring methods to aid conservation management decisions; and, an examination of the values, attitudes, and practices towards invasive species and invasive species management to develop a gender and social inclusion toolkit for invasive species management tailored to Pacific Island communities.

“The project I am working on provides me the opportunity to apply and develop my technical skills in remote sensing for the management of invasive species in the Pacific but to also develop my soft skills with regards to project management and stakeholder engagement.”